Skip Channel4 main Navigation
Explore Channel4
Food
4Homes
4Car
News
Sport
See All

Jaguar XK8/XKR (1996-2006) Review

Category: Convertibles 3.5 out of 5

Summary of the Jaguar XK8/XKR (1996-2006)

Price Range: No data available

Assets

Effortless, creamy performance make this the subtle powerhouse a Jaguar should be. Style ageing well, and reliability excellent.

Drawbacks

A bit dated compared with the Mercedes SL, and cramped too. Less of a sports car than a Porsche, even with the R handling kit.

Verdict

Ageing well - it was a good design to start with, and subtle but worthwhile updates have kept it competitive. The Mercedes SL is the better car, though.

Review

Overview3.5 out of 5

This is the top end of the coupe market, where cars are bought for style and speed - practicality, and sometimes even price, are less of an issue here. The XK8, and the high-performance, supercharged version have reinforced Jaguar's reputation for luxury coupes and sports cars and unlike the old XJS, have a fine reputation for dependability too. Fast, supple-riding, stylish, well equipped, good value and easy to drive, these cars are more about high speed cruising than intense driving thrills, though the rapid XKR handles very tidily when pressed. For 2003, the XKs have been mildly updated, with more power and detail improvements. The XK is ageing well, though it can't match the new Mercedes SL's modernity.

Advertisement

Best Convertibles

alt text here
Winner:
Mini Convertible
First runner up:
Peugeot 207 CC
Second runner up:
Nissan Micra C+C

More on 4Car

4Car Navigation

Home

Search 4Car

Browse reviews

Research a Car

News & Features

Essential Tools

Play & Win

Your 4Car

Other Links